A CRADLEY speedway nut will spend his Valentine’s Day scanning pictures of Dudley Wood Stadium for a new book – but insists it is a labour of love.

Neil Skelding from Kingswinford is behind Memories of Dudley Wood, a celebration the world famous Cradley Heathens and the iconic Dudley Wood Stadium which was torn down in 1995.

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The club became synonymous with the global stars during its heyday with fans from all over the Black Country flocking to the terraces.

Mr Skelding has embarked on the arduous task of sifting through a bounty of photos, some never released before, from former club photographer John Hipkiss to put together a must-have 196-page book chronicling the history of the Heathens.

Fans have also answered a call to arms to supply snaps from private collections and the book features memories from four-time world speedway champion Greg Hancock, USA team boss Lance King as well as promoters, journalists and supporters.

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“This is a project I’ve been thinking about for the past few years,” said Mr Skelding.

“It’s a lot of hard work and the hours involved are painstaking but I know it will be worth it.

“Dudley Wood was the focal point of the community and I went to every meeting, like so many people throughout the area.

“This is a perfect way for fans to keep a permanent souvenir. It will be produced on gloss paper to maximise the quality of the pictures, the unseen ones from John Hipkiss are remarkable and some of the memories I’ve already compiled are great reads.

“It’s available to order now and I’m sure it will be popular. Pre-ordering is the best way to guarantee a copy.”

Memories of Dudley Wood is available to pre-order now from Curtis-sport.com/books or by sending a cheque for £17.95 per copy (including postage) payable to Curtis Sport Ltd, Unit 24, Empire Industrial Park, Empire Close, Aldridge, West Midlands WS9 8UQ, remembering to include your name and address for delivery.